Remember hearing young children say,”I can do it myself!” and struggling to do the task? That’s the statement we want to hear from students. When they solve their own problems it indicates we’ve given them important skills that will reach beyond the classroom. But what are the early steps in building that independence and problem… Read More »
It’s important to take short breaks during a long work time to refresh your brain. Same for students; especially young students, new-to-learning in classrooms. For them it needs to include movement. Try these simple ideas during a 3-5 minute break. 1. Stretching. Stand in an open space. Reach for the sky, the floor, the walls,… Read More »
It’s fun to play with words. We can practice higher level thinking and reasoning skills while using everyday words in new combinations. 50 Word World You may have only 50 words to speak and write. What words will you choose? Why will you choose them? Make your list and defend it against others’ lists. After… Read More »
It’s easy for the time in a group to appear to evaporate. Just as you finally get to the lesson/activity, your time ends. There are ways to prevent that. Mostly it’s planning and sticking to your time limits. Let’s assume you have all your materials gathered, you know your lesson/activity, and that you know how… Read More »
Your group lesson is done, time is ending… now what? It’s time to begin your closing activity. Closing activity? Can’t I just tell the students good by and move on? Only if you want to be left with clean-up and setting up for your next group that will be anxious to start their first encounter… Read More »
Well-trained classroom assistants become a vital part of your classroom. They bring extra help, energy and enthusiasm as a well as extra hands interested in helping students. Remember T.E.A.C.H. as you work with them. T. Train assistants and Thank them daily. Take the time to observe their interactions with students and adults in the classroom.… Read More »
Schools and families form an important partnership. What do parents/guardians want from schools? 1. Children are well cared for by the adults in the school. They are kept safe in and out of the building. Their educational needs are met whether through remedial assistance or fostering their gifted skills. They want the staff to demonstrate a strong love of… Read More »
K.I.S.S.- Keep It Simple for Students. When in doubt, simplify your expectations/rules and post them as a daily reminder to all: students, classroom assistants and even guests. These 5 cover the basics. 1. Come calmly to the group. 2. Listen. 3. Participate. 4. Strive for quality work. 5. Help with clean-up and closure before leaving… Read More »
That’s what it’s all about, independence. As parents, educators and classroom assistants, our goal is to develop independent students. How do we do that? 1. Provide basic skills in language, math, science and other academic subjects. 2. Model positive learning skills: reading directions, making a plan, rethinking ideas. 3. Compliment student steps toward independence. Increase… Read More »
No matter how well you plan, some students will finish early. It may happen because they skim through a task or because they ‘get on a roll’ and finished with time to spare. It is important to check their assigned work before you allow them to move on to another activity. Read over their work.… Read More »